Erik Carlson DISH
With Univision renewal talks in an apparent deadlock, DISH has announced it will be offering US$5 per month credits to DishLATINO and Sling Latino package subscribers.
On June 30, Univision Communications Inc. blocked DishLATINO and DISH customers from accessing three of its channels: Univision (including local affiliates), UniMás and Galavisión, and blocked Sling customers from accessing all of its channels on the service.
“While we’ve been available, responsive and have made a best effort to negotiate, Univision appears to be forcing an impasse. We strongly believe that, in light of Univision’s departure from the negotiation table and from the DISH lineup, it’s the right thing to offer a credit to our DishLATINO and Sling Latino customers,” said Erik Carlson, DISH president, and CEO.
Beginning August 1st, August bills will reflect a US$5-per-month credit for DishLATINO monthly packages. Customers subscribing to the Best of Spanish TV standalone service on Sling TV will also be issued a monthly credit of US$5. Prices of Spanish-language add-ons will remain US$5 per month when combined with Sling Orange, Sling Blue or any other Spanish-language service.
“We assume Univision’s decision is permanent: Univision executives are seeking a massive rate increase despite reports showing the programmer lost more than 50% of its prime-time viewership in the last seven years. Univision not only offers its content free over the air, but it also sells its content online at a lower price to consumers — US$7.99 a month for Univision Now — than what they propose charging DISH,” said Carlson.
In many markets, Univision is available for free, over the air, with an antenna. To help ensure customers don’t lose access to Univision shows, DISH is continuing to make antennas available for free to DishLATINO and Sling Latino customers in eligible areas through August.
“Based on Univision’s latest proposed rate increase, DishLATINO and Sling Latino customers would get a better deal if they use a free over-the-air antenna or subscribe to the Univision Now service,” said Carlson.
